Keep the Faith! Being a Leader 1:
Self-examination

Every new Christian should go through at least three stages of development on their way to spiritual maturity. In the opening section of this series, you learned to be an effective observer. In the second section, you learned to be a follower. In this section, you will be encouraged to lead.  

Within each stage of growth there are four directions we must reach toward in order to grow: in, out, up and down. The following material is designed to help you reach in and promote self-examination. 

Becoming a Leader
1. Self-examination

This survey is designed to measure your growth away from the influences of Satan. The acts of the sinful nature are described in Galatians 5:19-21. As each description is discussed, rank your achievement level on a chart that measures from 1 to 10. 

1. "The acts of the sinful nature are... sexual immorality" - In the Greek language, the word for sexual immorality is porneia. It means unlawful sexual engagements and gives us our word pornography. Do you struggle with pornography? 

2. "The acts of the sinful nature are... impurity" - In the Greek language, the word for impurity is akatharsia. It literally means dirt or defiling with unnatural vices. 

3. "The acts of the sinful nature are... debauchery" - In the Greek language, the word for debauchery is aselgeia. It means lewd, indecent, excessive sexual conduct. 

4. "The acts of the sinful nature are... idolatry" - In the Greek language, the word for idolatry is eidololatria. It means recognition and worship of false gods. Remember, a vehicle, house or even a salary can become an idol. Is there anything or anyone you value more highly than God? 

5. "The acts of the sinful nature are... witchcraft" - In the Greek language, the word for witchcraft is pharmakeia. It means drugging, magic arts and superstitious dealings. Do you rely on drugs, alcohol or superstitions?  

6. "The acts of the sinful nature are... hatred"- In the Greek language, the word for hatred is echthrai. It means enmity toward God or man. Are you hateful with your actions, speech or thoughts? 

7. "The acts of the sinful nature are... discord" - In the Greek language, the word for discord is eris. It means strife, contention and quarreling. How often do you find yourself in conflict with others?  

8. "The acts of the sinful nature are... jealousy" - In the Greek language, the word for jealousy is zelos. It means zealous envy. Are you a satisfied person or do you long for what others have?  

9. "The acts of the sinful nature are... fits of rage" - In the Greek language, the word for fits of rage is thumoi. It means passionate wrath and anger. Are you in control of your temper? 

10. "The acts of the sinful nature are... selfish ambition" - In the Greek language, the word for selfish ambition is eritheiai. It means self-seeking pursuits. Do you fight to be first in line or get the closest parking spot? When was the last time you schemed about the best way to help someone else?  

11. "The acts of the sinful nature are... dissension" - In the Greek language, the word for dissension is dichostasiai. It means splitting in two, divisiveness. Think about your past. Have you often been part of divided relationships? 

12. "The acts of the sinful nature are... factions" - In the Greek language, the word for factions is haireseis. It means party-spirited, cliquish. How often do you make a conscious effort to draw others into your group? What makes one person better than another? The way you answer this question says a lot about your surrender to this work of the flesh? 

13. "The acts of the sinful nature are... envy"- In the Greek language, the word for envy  is phthonoi. It means a mixture of ill will, malice and jealousy. Are you ever angry because others have what you want? 

14. "The acts of the sinful nature are... drunkenness" - In the Greek language, the word for drunkenness is methai. It means controlled by strong drink. 

15. "The acts of the sinful nature are... orgies" - In the Greek language, the word for orgies is komoi. It means excessive reveling often connected with drinking parties. 

Conclusion

Now that you have examined yourself and made an assessment of certain areas of weakness, what are you going to do about the survey?

Suggestion: Take time to list any areas that you deem to be a problem. Below each of these areas, write the three following steps as well as a timeline you will use to judge your progress toward a solution: 

1. Pray - Every positive change starts with prayer. Develop a schedule of times that you will petition God for help and direction in overcoming this problem. (Note: once each day is probably not enough.) 

2. Act - Good intentions without positive actions never bring solutions. Solving this problem must become more than a goal. It requires a process. Write three or more steps that you plan to take to help solve this problem. 

3. Reassess - Change often comes incrementally. Taking regular assessment of your progress, and then making adjustments accordingly, is vital to success. After every assessment, repeat the steps above and adjust the parts of step 2 as needed. Develop a schedule of times during which you will take regular assessment of your progress. 

It is very important that this activity not be shuffled to the bottom of your "to do list." Tape the list to your bathroom mirror or the monitor of your computer. This assignment must have your attention. You cannot effectively follow God's blueprint for growth if you do not engage in activities such as this. For God's sake and your own spiritual development, post this list in an obvious place. 

Next time, we will look at a biblical survey that can help you grow as a leader by reaching out in fellowship. Until then, keep the faith!

Missed the beginning of the "Keep the Faith!" series? Check it out! 
Keep the Faith! Being an Observer
                         Being a Follower

Also, don't forget the introduction to Keep the Faith! Being a Leader.

Want to continue this series? Go to:
Keep the Faith! Being a Leader 2: Fellowship
                                                   3: Worship
                                                   4: Evangelism
                                                       Conclusion: Becoming a Complete Christian

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